The 2013-14 budget proposed by Gov. Tom Corbett shows that he's willing to make the tough decisions needed to keep the state living within its means, but he can't do it without the help of the home team, Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley told local Republicans at a fundraiser Wednesday in Reading.

"We need allies at every level of government," he said. "It is so important that we have allies in county government. It does matter who your county row officers are. It does matter who your judges are. It's the farm team where government comes closest to the people."

Corbett's proposed $28.4 billion budget would spend the highest amount of money in state history on education, begin to address funding problems with the state's two pension plans and provide money to fix aging roads and bridges, all without raising taxes, Cawley said.

"Gov. Corbett and I are not going to let up," he said. "We're going to continue to do the hard work to move Pennsylvania forward from a time of recovery to an era of growth and prosperity.

"We believe, and hope you believe, the best days for Pennsylvania are ahead. We're going to have an even better future. We just need the courage to make the tough decisions to get it."

About 40 people paid $75 each to attend the event in the Outside In Restaurant.

Royal Furer, chairman of the Berks County Republican Committee, said the location was appropriate because it is across the street from the courthouse, and two county judgeships are up for election this year.

Eight lawyers have been circulating petitions to get on the ballot for the May 21 primary election. They can by law cross-file on both the Republican and Democratic tickets. The county coroner, prothonotary and treasurer also are up for election.

Judges serve 10 years then run for retention, so the people who fill the positions are likely to remain in office until reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70, Furer said.

With typical turnout of 12 percent to 13 percent in this cycle, a few voters will make those important decisions if party members don't work to increase participation, he said.

"I'm not pushing for a particular candidate, but I would really like to see people pay attention to the judge races," Furer said. "I want this to be an election with a good turnout."